41.  American officials expect quick action on the unified military, but the foreign-fighter issue has been more troublesome.

42.  American officials expressed a sudden pessimism Friday that they could reach a long-sought deal to get China into the World Trade Organization.

43.  American officials fear that such distress would worsen attacks on ethnic Chinese in Indonesia.

44.  American officials followed suit this week.

45.  American officials had ample reason to be skeptical.

46.  American officials had expected little armed resistance under any circumstances.

47.  American officials had hoped that Russia would begin building the installation this summer, but construction has yet to start.

48.  American officials had no immediate reaction to the request Wednesday afternoon.

49.  American officials had said the samples contained traces of Empta, a precursor used in the production of deadly VX nerve gas.

50.  American officials have already begun discussions with the Europeans and with other countries, including China, over the steel tariffs and demands for compensation.